FG replaces NYSC Khaki uniform with Adire Fabric

The Federal Government has stated that the khaki uniforms traditionally used by NYSC members will now be phased out, making way for Adire uniforms as part of efforts to restructure the program.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in his interview appearance on Thursday at Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program.

According to the minister, the move is part of the effort by the government to enhance local production and channel the expenditure of money into the Nigerian economy. Nigeriannews subscription

In explaining further on this development, Olawande stated that the new uniforms would be made locally since Adire uniforms are currently being produced in different states like Ogun and Kwara.

“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country.”

He explained that the move is expected to stimulate Nigeria’s textile industry, promote indigenous craftsmanship and create more opportunities for local manufacturers.

Corps members to be posted based on profession

The minister also revealed that the Federal Government is restructuring the NYSC deployment process to ensure corps members are posted according to their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds.

Under the proposed arrangement, graduates with education-related qualifications will be deployed to schools and other relevant institutions instead of arbitrary postings.

“That after you are leaving the camp, you are not just posted to a school just because NYSC wants you to be in school but because of the process you followed when in camp. So, that is going to give a framework of where you are going to be posted to.”

Olawande said the government is also reviewing the deployment system to address security concerns in parts of the country.

He explained that corps members may increasingly be posted to areas where they studied or locations they are already familiar with, particularly in regions facing security challenges.

According to him, the approach would reduce concerns among parents while making the deployment process more practical.

“If we have a particular area that is having insecurity, instead of probably forcing people or parents to start talking, we must also give them an opportunity that ‘okay, who are those in that area, that schooled in that area, that know much about that area?’”

He added that corps members who voluntarily choose to serve in other regions would still be allowed to do so.

The minister also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from NYSC operations.

He clarified that while the scheme would transition from military-led mobilisation to civilian-led administration, the armed forces would continue to play their traditional role in securing orientation camps and other NYSC activities.

“We are not taking the military out of NYSC. It is just a misconception… Military is not taken away, there is no how you can take the military away. It is just saying that we are moving away from military mobilisation to civilian mobilisation.”

This latest decision follows shortly after the approval of a total reform of the NYSC program by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which is the first such reform since its inception more than 50 years ago.

In an effort to implement this reform, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been instructed to revise the NYSC Act and other laws to create a legal framework for the new policy.

According to the Federal Government, these reforms will ensure that the NYSC is reformed into an institution that will prepare young Nigerians for work and development.